Virginia wins honors at NWTF Convention!
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Virginia State Chapter and it’s dedicated Volunteers won three awards at the NWTF Convention in Nashville, Feb. 18-21. Master Officer Cleggett Gregory Funkhouser has earned the National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award for his efforts in conserving America's wildlife.
Funkhouser, of Roanoke, Va.(pictured with his wife Angie), received the award during NWTF's 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by MidwayUSA, and held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.
"As a boy, I grew up wanting to be a wildlife officer and it's been great doing something I love that makes a difference for wildlife," said Funkhouser. "The NWTF is a great organization and I'm honored to accept this award."
An 11-year veteran of Virginia's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) law enforcement division, Funkhouser has established a solid reputation as a caring professional who works tirelessly to conserve natural resources and devotes many hours to community service.
"Greg's conviction rate of poachers is extraordinary," VDGIF Sgt. Brian Young said. "He averages a yearly arrest total of nearly 500 cases and is a district leader in narcotic detection. He is an expert in his field who consistently goes beyond the call of duty."
Young adds that Funkhouser's devotion to his job and quick thinking once led him to jump into frigid waters to save the life of a distraught man who attempted suicide. Because of Funkhouser's efforts, the man survived and later thanked Funkhouser for giving him another chance at life.
The NWTF initiated the State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2000 to highlight the contributions from wildlife officers across the country. In addition to playing a crucial role in helping to convict wildlife criminals, many wildlife officers volunteer their own time to help educate youth about the importance of wildlife, conservation and our hunting traditions.
The Virginia State Chapter received an L.A. Dixon Memorial Chapter Award during the NWTF's 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, and was recognized by the NWTF for winning third place in the 5,000 to 9,999 Members category. The chapter has been a leader in the NWTF's chapter system, and a credit to the NWTF.
The L.A. Dixon Memorial awards are given in honor of a man who gave unselfishly during the NWTF's early years. Dixon founded the NWTF's North Carolina State Chapter, served at the national, state and local levels and traveled thousands of miles at his own expense carrying the NWTF's message to all who would listen. The NWTF honors Dixon's achievements through the L.A. Dixon Memorial Chapter Awards.
"The NWTF's volunteers and chapters make the Federation' conservation and outreach work possible," said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. "We're proud to present our chapters with the L.A. Dixon Awards to honor their excellent performances and unrivaled dedication."
Lastly, Va. State Chapter Vice-President Rick Layser was awarded the coveted Roger Latham Award. More details of this award to follow.